Burnin' review

The 6th album by Bob Marley and the Wailers, and the last one before Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer left to pursue solo careers. This one has a more political tone than previous records by the group.

Tracks:

1. Get Up, Stand Up: 7/10 this song was on Legend. It's not one of Marley's best, but it's a good enough political song.

2. Hallelujah Time: 9/10 this utterly delightful song shows sentimentality and sweetness aren't always a bad thing.

3. I Shot the Sheriff: 8/10 while occasionally confusing, it remains one of Marley's best political songs and benefits from a refreshingly downbeat tone.

4. Burnin' and Lootin': 8/10 as calls for revolution go, it's very good.

5. Put it On: 7/10 a song that's appeared before. It's OK but a bit repetitive.

6. Small Axe: 8/10 a typical and typically good Bob Marley song.

7. Pass it On: 7/10 pretty good, though somewhat on the lackluster side due to a slight lack of energy.

8. Duppy Conqueror: 8/10 another solid reggae tune that doesn't go anywhere new.

9. One Foundation: 8/10 ditto.

10. Rasta Man Chant: 8/10 a good, interesting-sounding instrumental and a relaxed vibe make this a compelling, if slightly forgettable, closing track.

Best song: Hallelujah Time
Worst song: Pass it On

Summary: A good reggae album, but something of a comedown after the excellent Catch a Fire. This is thanks to slightly less energy and a repetitive nature to the songs, so that when listened to in one group they feel like the same. Still, it's a peaceful yet powerful work, filled with politicized lyrics and social commentary while not forgetting about the chilled-out, quality reggae tunes that make Bob Marley so awesome. This is a good album, but the tracks might work better when the songs are listened to on their own.


Final rating: 8/10